Mariners, OF Byrnes agree to 1-year deal
January 30, 2010
SEATTLE (AP)—The Mariners added a right-handed bat, agreeing to a one-yearcontract with outfielder Eric Byrnes(notes).
Byrnes, who will turn 34 on Feb. 16, was let loose two weeks ago by theArizona Diamondbacks. Arizona owed him $11 million from the final season of a$30 million contract, and any team could sign him for the $400,000 minimum, withthe Diamondbacks responsible to for the remainder.
He a career .260 hitter with 189 doubles, 30 triples and 109 homers. Seattlegeneral manager Jack Zderiencik said on Thursday the Mariners wanted to add aveteran, right-handed bat to their lineup.
Byrnes was hampered by injuries the past two seasons and hit just .226 in 84games last year.
